Hike Vasquez Rocks, famous from 'Westworld' and 'Planet of the Apes'

Charles Fleming

People all over the world know Vasquez Rocks because it’s been a featured location for decades in movies such as “Planet of the Apes” and “Blazing Saddles” and TV shows like “Westworld” and “Star Trek.”

But I’m always surprised by how few Los Angeles residents have seen the strange lunar landscape in person. This moderately demanding walk near Aqua Dulce Canyon Road and the Antelope Valley Freeway northeast of Santa Clarita makes a great introduction to the hideout of legendary California outlaw Tiburcio Vásquez and even includes a stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail.

1. Begin this walk at the Interpretive Center, off the main parking lot, by the entrance to Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park. Leave the parking lot the way you came in, turn left and follow a brown rail fence to find the beginning of the Nature-Heritage Trail.